Yes i did that a few days ago, i think it was you who suggested that on the AV forum. I got talking to someone in my local Asda just this morning who said his hdr's recordings went crazy at the same time mine did. It could be a local problem (Hemel Hempstead) but I'm not convinced. His hdr is also three years old, so maybe somethings starting to go. It's happened to me four times in the last couple of months. If it's still OK in the next few weeks the factory default may have cured it. Thanks for your help.